Friday, March 18, 2016

Oregon Pinot Noir Club News

1-800-847-4474www.oregonpinotnoir.com

Oregon's Best Value Wines 
Since 2008
 
The 2014 Pinot Noirs Offer Vivid, Juicy Flavors 
For Way Less Than $30! 


by Robert Wolfe (March 18, 2016, Portland, OR)    

Simply put, Oregon's 2014 pinot noirs at the value price level - which I define as up to a maximum $30 per bottle - are the best, most flavorful and sophisticated wines I've seen at this price point since the 2008 vintage. Consumers looking for a deal should load up on lower-priced 2014s as they hit the market this year to guarantee themselves tasty wine to drink for several years to come.
Bob_Wolfe
Pinotguy Bob
(Not a current picture!)

How did we get from there to here?

In 2008, the country was in the throes of recession. Revenues in Oregon wine country were declining virtually across the board. Wineries were desperate to sell wine due to bad press for the 2007 vintage (gorgeous wines to drink now) combined with the economic downturn. The solution was to put a lot of very good juice into lower-priced bargain bottlings, and an explosion of second-label and "Willamette Valley" wines resulted. Prices dropped overall, and those consumers who could still afford wine snapped up some great deals.

In all the vintages since then, conditions have not been as favorable for the very best bargains. Even in 2012, hailed as the greatest vintage of all until these '14s came along, there was upward pressure on prices and more of the best juice went into expensive bottlings or prestige cuvees. The less expensive wines were very tasty, but not as good as the '14s we are starting to see now.

Here's the secret to 2014 pinot noir in Oregon: There was a LOT of it. Somewhere around 23% more by knowledgeable estimates. Many wineries are literally flooded with juice. All that wine must be sold, and a good portion of that juice is trickling down to the value end of the portfolio.  

Moreover, the juice tastes great. Many '14s are marked with ripe fruit and fine structure, and excellent acidity, particularly compared to the '12s which could exhibit very ripe fruit and higher alcohols.  Of course, some '14s were picked too early based on sugar levels, rather than on flavor development. Those wines can show green character, and are to be avoided.

Another factor is a full wine pipeline, both behind and in front of the '14s.  Many wineries are still sitting on 2011 wines that were unpleasantly firm when young, and that are only now starting to taste delicious. And those best-ever 2012 pinot noirs are often still readily available, particularly at the higher price points. We are still seeing new releases from that vintage, even though the hype has significantly  faded. And 2013 - well, the truth is there are some poor wines in 2013, and the less you pay, the more you are taking a real chance at getting some mediocre juice . . . or worse. There is a large stock of unsold 2013 pinot noir. Now that the '14s are showing up, I must advise choosing your value-priced '13s very carefully -- and for that vintage (heck, all the vintages), try before you buy.  Seek recommendations from a trusted source and wines made by your favorite producers.

Coming up next?  Another high-volume vintage from 2015.

To summarize:  Overall excellent vintage quality, high yields, a preceding vintage of mixed quality, and the prospect of a sales pipeline stuffed with unsold juice means that the 2014 vintage of Oregon pinot noir will provide excellent opportunities for delicious wine in the value price range. Consumers should step up to the plate and take advantage. 
Copyright Robert Wolfe. Short passages may be reprinted with permission and attribution. 



We've Got Great Wine!
2014 Value Pinots
Round # 1

The OregonPinotNoirDotCom crew recently tasted 40+ 2014 pinots with a retail price under $30 per bottle. Here is the first round of our favorites -- with more to come! All the wines are worthy, drinkable now, capable of short-to-medium term aging, and taste great. 

Value Wine Special
10% Off Any 12 bottles or More!  
Discount applied manually to final e-receipt


2014 White Rose Estate Blackthorn Cuvee
$20 / bottle
My Top Value Pick

As our top ultra-value pick in round # 1, this wine delivers fruit and concentration beyond its exceptionally reasonable price point. The fruit is Dundee Hills red, but marked with the darker character of the '14 vintage. Most notably, the rose petal perfume of the site is intact - this estate is somewhat unique in the perfumed red aroma that emanates from its wines. It's also more forward than many '14s, which are young enough to still have some youthful firmness in many cases. So, for a meager $20 you get supple, dark-red fruit with a tantalizing red fruit - rose petal aroma, a layered and generous fruit palate, and a long fruit-centric finish. Impressive for the style and value.  
 
 
2014 Brooks Pinot Noir Runaway Red
$18 / bottle
Wine Spectator 91 Points
 
This is my co-winner for best of the ultra-value pinots tasted recently. The Brooks Runaway Red is an entry-level bottling that was named after a barrel of wine that rolled a bit downhill one time, as I recall the story. This wine is sweetly fruited, open-knit and has a very appealing juicy character and pizzazz that makes it fun and easy to drink, but it also shows above-average complexity and length. That a wine this tasty went into a bottle for only $18 can only mean that Brooks' more elevated bottlings will be awesome, when the time comes. This is good enough that it was awarded a Wine Spectator 91 Points, with these notes: "Fresh and vital, with expressive cherry, cranberry and raspberry flavors on a polished, open-weave frame, lingering on the refreshing finish. Drink now through 2019 - HS"
 
2014 Evesham Wood PN Willamette Valley
$21 / bottle

Juicy and bright, with a vivid fruit character that delivers fresh red fruit flavors that are very persistent. This wine has more pure red fruit than many value pinots of the vintage, which tend to somewhat darker flavors. Compellingly good, BUT . . . It's almost sold out. I waited too long to go to print on this, and everyone else bought most of the bottles. Worthy of pursuing, but limited.


2014 Patton Valley PN Willamette Valley
$20 / bottle

Silken-textured, rich and dark-flavored fruit is the feature presentation of this tasty wine, showing excellent concentration and detail for the category. The palate is lifted by some juicy, pomegranate-inflected acidity to keep things fresh on the palate. This has more body than most, and is a standout effort. 

 
2014 Roots Wine Pinot Noir "Klee"
$24 / bottle
WS 91 Points!
This one, too, shows vivacious acidity which buoys fresh, juicy fruit in an irresistible fashion.

From the WS: "Lithe and expressive, open-textured and tangy, with raspberry, cherry and lime peel notes coming together with presence and finesse on the long finish. Best from 2017 through 2022."
 


2014 Joleté Pinot Noir La Verre
$24 / bottle
Premium Club Selection

La Verre in French is 'the glass,' indicating the producer's desire to have this wine become a restaurant glass pour. In fact, it's typically available at Oregon restaurants only. The wine simply pops on the palate, with vivid, bright fruit flavors and a captivating personality that compels repeated tasting. Fresh, juicy, bright - these are common characteristics of these tasty bargains from the '14 vintage.
 
 
 
2014 Spindrift Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
$20 / bottle

Spindrift is made in a part of the Willamette Valley that is often overlooked, which we might call 'mid-Valley' around the Corvallis / Philomath area. It is a go-to value in every vintage, and in '14 they have nailed it again. The wine is vibrant, fruit-driven, perfectly balanced and very pleasurable to sip on right now. Like most of these '14s, there will certainly be development in the bottle in the first year or three. A ridiculous value on a wine that has not seen a price increase in years.

 
2014 Brigadoon Pinot Noir La Chouette
$27 / bottle
Premium Club Selection
 
This farming family has a sizable spread upon which they conduct various agricultural activities, including grape farming and grapevine rootstock growing. Baby grape vines gotta come from somewhere, and some of it comes from Brigadoon. They also made a modest amount of pinot noir, and this is our first selection from this fairly new producer.
 
This wine is a step up in depth and complexity at this level, and justifies a higher price than some of our other value picks. There is an impressive surge of dark fruit flavors on the palate, mineral-laden, lengthy, but remaining lively through the entire palate arc, which concludes with a lengthy finish. There is commendable depth and layering here, and plenty of room for flavor expansion with a bit of bottle age. An excellent effort with great appeal.
 
2014 Purple Hands PN Willamette Valley
$26 / bottle
Short Term Post-Off
Cody Wright is the overnight success that has been only 12 years in the making. But the word is out these days, and his wines are better than ever - reflected by his critical scores and rising prices - and his juice sells because it tastes great. He told me once that he wanted to be his own man in the wine world, despite being Ken Wright's son. In my estimation, he reached that goal sometime back.
 
This 2014 version of his entry-level pinot noir is simply a delicious mouthful of fruit that explodes on the palate, with cascading layers of fruit that seem endless. The wine has admirable weight and depth and length, and is exceptionally compelling. A top-tier pick in the under-$30 category. 


 
Notes on selected wines. The full selection appears on our web site via this link HERE.
 
Sincerely,
Robert Wolfe
Oregon Pinot Noir Club

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

2013 Solena Release!

Solena Estate
2013 Solena Single-Vineyard Pinot Noir Release

Daylight savings is the first significant event in our wine growing season. 


The days are longer now. As the sun warms the soil, it will trigger bud break and a new vintage will begin. It's such a magical time of year and a reason to raise a glass. To celebrate, we have released our 2013 Soléna Single Vineyard Pinot Noirs with you.

2013 Zena Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir - $45
2013 Willakia Vineyard Pinot Noir - $45
2013 Hyland Vineyard Pinot Noir - $50
2013 Domaine Danielle Laurent Pinot Noir - $50
Order 12 Or More Bottles To Receive 10% Off and Inclusive Ground Shipping!
To place your order for Soléna Single Vineyard Pinot Noirs please call us at(971) 999-1650. Or you can email us at jessica@solenaestate.comWe've also made it easy to order from your mobile phone. Click either button below to be connected immediately. 
Call To Order Solena
Email To Order Solena
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Tuesday, March 15, 2016

MARSHANNE LANDING WINERY PRESENTS Pianist ANDREI ANDREEV

MARSHANNE LANDING WINERY
PRESENTS
Pianist ANDREI ANDREEV
SUNDAY APRIL 3, 3:00 PM
Andrei Andreev promo
It is a privilege for MarshAnne Landing to host a benefit concert to assist Andrei Andeev with his studies at the University of Oregon.  Described as one of the strongest piano students in years, Andrei’s program will include the following pieces:
Beethoven, sonata op2, #1 in 4 movements.
Chopin , sonata #2
Schubert, Impromptus op.90 in 4 movements

We hope you can join us for this stellar afternoon performance.   Admission (with appetizers) $20, but we are encouraging generous free will giving to assist Andrei in his studies 
Reservations required.  Respond to this email or call the winery at 541-459-7998

Friday, March 4, 2016

Spring is Coming to Pfeiffer Winery

 
  March 2016 Newsletter

Casablanca at  



Twilight



&



Wine Club Pick-Up Party 
Enjoy three delicious styles of Moroccan soups, piles of fresh, crusty baked bread, decadent rum infused brownies and a specialty cocktail! Enjoy a special performance by Tonewood Trio as you watch Casablanca on our big screen TV's! 

Kimber with Stella & Dot and Marilena with Brutto ma Buono Chocolates will be joining us as well. 

Saturday March 5th4-7pm

Wine Club Members: Free
General: $20

Purchase tickets here or call541.998.2828 to RSVP





ALSO INTRODUCING:



SOUTH WILLAMETTE VALLEY 
PINOT BINGO! 

You will be the first to receive your Pinot Bingo 
card at the party and get a head start on the other    participants! Visit local wineries and "Pairing 
Partners" to receive your stamps.  
Multiple ways to win! 

Prizes include a print from local artist Robert Canaga in a Pinot Bingo wood block, Oregon Pinot Noir Riedel Glass, commemorative awards, and entries for the grand prize!


Let's Wine Over Taxes 

Visit us for Tax Day Weekend April 15-17thand we will credit YOU with deductions & discounts!


Going to the Daffodil Festival? 

We're open for tastings Saturday March 19thfrom 11-8pm & Sunday March 20th 
from 11-5pm!


Sunday, May 8th    

Honor Mom on her special day and treat her to an elegant buffet featuring culinary delights, live music, a rose and more!

This amazing spread, created by Chef Andi Hooper, with Boss Hawgs Catering, and her team of food aficionados includes fresh fruit, pastries, crepes, and carved ham, just to name a few! Bring the family and enjoy a brunch while taking a leisurely stroll around the grounds as the water garden blooms and surrounding grape vines spring to life! 

            2 seatings: 10:30-12:30pm & 1:30-3:30pm

Tickets available here or call 541-998-2828.                                   
Adult: $38 per person
Children (5-12): $19 per person
4 and under: Free                                                   *Limited Space Available
Summer Hours

starting

Friday, April 29th

Monday - Thursday : 11-5pm
Friday - Saturday : 11-9pm
Sunday : 11-7pm


Details coming soon :

Memorial Day Weekend

25040 Jaeg Road
Junction City, OR 97448
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WildAire Monthly Events

 
WildAire Monthly Events                                                                      March 2016

What a great month we just had!  Jean and I made some new friends and WildAire fans when we poured for a local school auction and fundraiser in Hillsboro recently. Lots of money was raised and lots of Wildaire was enjoyed.  Get your Wildaire here.   










    

We spent several days in Portland attending the
 

Oregon Wine Symposium last month.
 As a first time participant, I was immersed in the wine industry from both the business and the viticulture-enology perspective. Below is an eye-opening statistic that was shared.  In the second half of 2015, Wine Spectator gave 1,039 wines 90+   scores worldwide. Despite producing only 0.1% of the world's wines, Oregon garnered 10% of those 90+ scores. This is a clear illustration of the quality of wine that is coming out of this state.  

This month we will be traveling to Washington for an exciting "A Taste of Oregon" event. See sidebar TastingEvents.
 
 









HOT OFF THE PRESS

One last event that we'd like to spread the word about. Our winemaker Matthew will be featured at the April 2
 Cooks & Corks Dinner at Daily In The Pearl in Portland next month. This event is a prix fixe dinner and wine pairing with a featured artist and guest vintner.  We have seen the menu and it looks delicious. I do not have all the specifics as to who the featured artist will be but please visitdailyinthepearl to make your reservation for an evening in Portland with great wine, food and art! We'd love to see you there. Here's to hoping our paths cross very soon,
Anne
Anne D. Nesbitt

anne@wildairecellars.com 
503-428-4961 mobile
 Recipe of the Month 
Chicken Chowder for the Soul
Growing up in the south we were always taught to bring food for various occasions. To celebrate a baby's birth, to welcome a new family to the neighborhood or to console friends and family if someone has died. Here is the perfect recipe for a rainy March afternoon to take to a friend who might be a bit under the weather. Comfort food at it's best and healthiest. 
Click here for the recipe!
  Tasting Events
     Road Trip!
Later his month we will be  traveling to Seattle for "A Taste of Oregon". We will be at  Metropolist at
2931 1st Ave. South,
Seattle WA. There will be a Trade Tasting from 1-5 pm and the evening event will be open to the 
General Public from 6-9pm. Please tell your friends up north to come see us while we are in town. We'd love to meet them!

Barrel Tastings
Contact
 me to arrange  your private tasting in the WildAire Cellar at Beacon Hill Vineyard.
 
Plan a trip out to Gaston to see us. Schedule your own private tasting led by winemaker Matthew down in the cellar where all the magic happens.  
WildAire
22070 NE Ridge Road, Gaston, OR 97119
Phone: Matthew Driscoll (503) 851-3689 
Call Matthew for a tour  and barrel tasting at Beacon Hill!